Steve Martin  

October 10, 2009

Saturday 8:00pm

Detail:

Don’t miss you chance to be among the first to check out the new Knight Theater when Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers perform Oct. 10. Limited tickets remain available for this show, which also will include special guest Dave Barry.

An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo – Actor/banjo picker Steve Martin teams up with bluegrass sensations The Steep Canyon Rangers.  The combined group of musicians will showcase original compositions from Steve's brand new all-music CD entitled The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo (released May 19 on Rounder Records) as well as a few Steep Canyon originals, including new songs from their latest CD on Rebel Records (due out late Summer 2009).

The International Bluegrass Music Association has nominated Martin and his new album "The Crow," in six award categories, including Best Instrumental Song and Best Banjo Player.

Here's what Martin says about his love of the banjo:  Years ago, in my old comedy act, I said, "You just can't play a sad song on the banjo."  This was for comic effect only, because I knew the banjo had a capacity for mournful melodies and the "high, lonesome sound."  As I was sometimes mournful, sometimes lonesome, and sometimes high, this suited me perfectly.  I also found myself passionately affected by the banjo's driving staccato, darting rhythm, and inexplicable sadness.  It was as though the banjo generated nostalgia for experiences I never had, joy I was yet to experience, and melancholy that was yet to come."

Read more of Martin's liner notes from "The Crow."